Lock-out for party-line-telephone subscribers&#39; stations.



J. ERIGKSON. I LOOK-OUT FOB IPARTY LINE TELEPHONE SUBSGEIBERS STATIONS.

I 7 APPLICATION FILED IB. 16, 1906. 984,204.

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UNITED STATES pg rnnr OFFICE.

JOHN ERICKSON, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, T0FIRST TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK, TRUSTEE, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

LOCK-OUT FOR IPARTY-LINE-TELEPHONE SUBSCB-IBERS STATIONS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed April 16, 1906. Serial No. 311,871.

To all whom 'it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN Enronson, a

citizen of the United States of America, and

with those of the called subscribers, and cspecially to automatictelephone systems in which several subscribers stations are located on asingle line, and in which each sub scriber is equipped with means fortransmitting the electrical impulses necessary for opcrating theautomatic exchange or' switching machinery by which any callingsubscriber obtains connection with, the substation of any calledsubscriber, even though the calling and called subscribers are bothlocated on the same line.

generally stated, the object of my invention is the provision ofimproved means for preventing one subscriber from disturbing orinterfering with the connectionsestablished by another subscriberalready in pos session of the same line.

Special objects pf my invention are the provision of an improvedconstruction and. arrangement whereby certain circuits .are controlledby the cotiperation of an e1ectromagnet and the usual switch-hook orlever for supporting the telephone receiver; provision of an improvedconstruction and arrangement whereby a spring switch is notv operated bythe upward movement of the switch-hook except when the associatedelectromagnet is energized; and the provision of certain details,features. of improvement and combinations tending to increase thegenera]. efficiency and "certainty of action of a device of thisparticular character To the foregoing and other useful ends,

7 my invention consists in matters hereinafter set forth and claimed; v

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation of asubscribers h0okswitch and associated parts, showing a lockout embodyingthe principles of my invention, the switch'hookbeing'down. Fig. 2 is adetail showing the conditlonof the lock the out when the switch-hook isup and the associated electromagnet not energized. Fig.3 1s a v1ews1m1lar to Fig. 1, but showing the electroanagnet energized and switchhook up. Fig. 4' is a perspective of the engaging portions of thearmature and the springs and the link carried'by the switch-hook.

For the broader purposes of my invention the subscribers switchmechanism A can-be of any suitable,known or approved character.Preferably, however, it involves an up and down swinging switch-hook 13adapted to control the circuits of the substation in any suitable or,desired manner. This switchhook or receiver-arm is provided with adepending link or arm C adapted to cooperate with the look-out magnet Din controlling the circuit switch-springs E. For this purpose the saidlink or arm G is provided with an outer cam ortion o, a lower verticaland longitudinal s at 0 an inner shoulder 0 and an inner cam portion 0.It will be observed that the cut out magnet D is suitably supported by aframed, and provided with a pivoted armature d, This armature hasPatented Feb. 14, 1911.

its upper end provided with a lug or finger (Z adapted to engage andwork up and down. in the slot. c --that is to 'say, the link or arm Omoves up and down and thereby causes the relative movement between thesaid finger and slot. A spring d? issecured to the frame d of thesaiolmagnet, and is provided at its upper end with. a portion (1 adaptednormallyto engage the depression or notch immediately above thecam'portionc, as shown in Fig. 1. Another spring (Z -has its lower endsecured to the frame of said magnet, and its upper end provided with ashoulder (Z The upper end of the said spring (i may normally bearagainst the cam portion 0, as shown in Fig. l. The

upper spring 6 has its end portionprovided with a longitudinallyextending slot 6 in which the lower end portion of the link or arm Cworks or moves up and down. It will also be seen that the upper spring 6has an end portion 6 adapted, under certain conditions, to be engagedand held up by the shoulder d The'mode of operation is as follows: Innormal condition the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 1. Whentheswitclihook rise s,-and if the-electrdmagnet'D is not energized, theparts assume the positions shown in F1g. 2. Under such "conditious,

it will be seen that the switch-springs E remain closed, inasmuch as theshoulder a was held out of engagement with the spring I e, by thepressure of the "spring (l -At this time, the flat inner face of theshoulder (i bears against the end portion 6 of the spring and thus holdsthe switch-springs E in a 'closed condition. Suppose, however, that themagnet D were energized when the switch-hook rises. In such case, thearmatime d would cause its finger d to pull the link'or arm C inwardly,thus causing the shoulder a" to .engage the spring 0 at the inner endofthe slote the attractive force of said magnet being sufficient toovercome the pressure of the spring i This lifts the spring 6 into theposition'shown in Fig. 3, causing the springs E to separate, thusopening the circuits controlled thereby. In Fig.

3, when the switch-hook moves down, the movement permits the upperspring 6 to engage the shoulder d, and as soon as the cam portion 0engages the upper spring d, the spring 6 is thereby released from theshoulder (F, E thus permitted to close together. in this way, it will beseen that the electro-magnet and the switch-hook cooperate incontrolling the switch-springs E. If the electro-magnet is energized,the raising of the switch-hook will inevitably open the saidswitch-springs. However, if the conditions are such that the said.elect'ro-magnet does not energize, then the circuits controlled by thesaid switch-' springs-remain closed, as the raising of the switch-hookdoes not disturb them.

controlled thereby can be of any For the broader purposes of myinvention, the said switclrsprings and the circuits suitable or desiredcharacter; Preferably, however, my

' improved device is employed as a lock-out forparty-llnes, and s in thenature of an improvement on the construction and arrangeare removable asa unit.

ment. I do not, therefore, limit myself to the'exact details shown anddescribed.

The energizing circuit of the magnet D it will be understood,- becontrolled by can the sw:itcli-hookitself, or by any other suitablemeans. Preferably, also, shown, the electro-magnet D and theswitch-springs E In fact, the entire lock-out device is, with theexception of the link or arm G, removable as a unit.

It will be seen that the link or arm C is employed for directlyoperating the switch spring a conan operating member through the adaptedto open and close the said switch or switch-springs'. It will also beseen that the I armature (Z normally engages the core or pole-piece ofthe electro-magnet, thus requiripg but little current to operativelyener-' gize the electro-magnet. If. the electro-magnet is energized, theparts simply remain in end of the.

a hd the lower springs the posit-ion shown in Fig. 3, the tension of thespring (l armature away from the said core or polepiece of theelectro-magnet. Consequently, as explained, the armature remains in itsnormal position, and the switch or switchsprings E are opened by theupward movement of the switch-hook. Also, as previously explained, theswitch-springs do not close together until the cam portion 0 engages theupper end of the spring dfi, and

thereby draws the shoulder d out of engagement with the'e'nd e of thespring 6. condition of the electro-magnet causes the operation. of theswitch or switch-springs. and the opposite electrical condition of saidelectro-magnet prevents the operation of the. said switch orswitclrsprings. Preferably, however, the saidarmature of theelectromagnet is normally retained in its attracted position.

The paramagnetic member d" normally being incapable of pulling the One Icloses the magnetic circuit of the electromagnet D.

. The link C can, of course, be supported upon the switch-hook in anysuitable manner consistent with the desired mode of operation andresults. For example, it can have its upper end pivotedupon theswitch'hook, whereby its lowerend may swing without causing any movementof the switch-hook. It will be understood, however, that I do not limitmyself to this particular construction.

What I claim as my invention s 1. In a device of the class specified,the combination of circuit-controlling switchsprings, a subscribersswitch-hook provided with means for directly operating said.switch-springs, and an electro-ina'gnet providedwith an armatureengaging said means to cooperate with said switch-hook in controllingsaid switch-springs, having provisions whereby said springs are notoperable by the switch-hook except when the said magnet is energized.

2. In a device of the class specified, the combination ofswitch-springs, a subscribers switch-hook, a link or arm depending fromsaid switchhook, adapted to directly operate said switch-springs, and anelectromagnet provided with an armature adapted to engage and cooperatewith said link or arm in controlling said switch-springs.

3. In a device of the class specified, the combination of normallyclosed switchsprings, a subscribers switchhook, a connection carried bysaid '--switch-hoolr and' 4.. In a device of the class specified,thecombination of switeh-springs,asubseribers switch-hook, a link or armdepending from said switclnhook, provided with a slot and a shoulder anda couple of cam portions, a member for operating said switch-springs,provided with a slot in which the said link or arm moves up and down, aspring adapted to engage one of said cam portions, provided with ashoulder for engaging and upholding the end of said member, a spring forengaging the other cam portion, adapted to hold'said shoulder on thelink out of engagement with said member, an electro-magnet, andanarmature for said'magnet, provided with a finger-adapted to engage saidslot in said link, said armatm'e when at" tract'ed causing said shoulderon the link to engage and lift said member, whereby the upward movementofsaid switch-hook does not disturb or operate the switch-springsexceptwhen said magnet is energized.

In a device of the class specified, the combination of acircuit-controlling switch, a switch-hook, an electro-magn'et, means bywhich the switch-hook directly operates the said switch, and means bywhich the energization of the magnet enables the switchhook in rising toopen said switch.

(3. In a device of the class specified, the combination of a switch, asubscribers switch-hook, a direct connection between the switclrhook.and the switch,- adapting the former in rising to operate the latter,'anelectro-m'agnet, means by which one condi tion of said magnet permitsthe opening of said switch, and means by which the opposite electricalcondition of said magnet pre-' vents the opening of said switch.

7. In a device ofthe class specified; the combination ofswitch-springs,asubscribers switch-hook provided with means for directly operating said switch-springs, and an I electro-magnet providedwith an armature adapted to cooperate with said means in controllingsaid switch-springs, together with means by which the electro-Jnagnetand switch-springs are removable as a unit.

8. In a device of the class specified, the con'ibiimtion ofswitch-springs,asubscribers switch-hook. a link or arm depending fromsaid switclrhook, adapted to directly operate said switch-springs, andan electiomagnetprovided with an'armature adapted to engage andcooperate with said link or arm in controlling said switch-springs,together with means by which the electro-inagnet and switch-springs areremoval'ile as a unit.

9. In-a device of the class specified. the

combination of normally. closed. switch springs,-a subscribers .switchhook. a connection carried by said switch-hook and adapted to operatesaid switch-springs, an electroonagnetprovided with ,an armature adaptedto engage said connection, and S grings engaging said connection,whereby t e switch-s n'ings remainclo'sed when the switch-hook is up ifthe magnet is not. energized, together with means by which theelectro-n-nignet and switch-springs are remoyable as a unit.

10. In a device of the class specified, the combination ofswitch-springs, a subscribefs switch-hook, a link or arm depending fromsaid switch-hook, provided with a slot and a shoulder and a couple ofcam portions, a member for operating said switch-springs, provided witha slot in which the said link or arm moves up and down, a spring adaptedto engage one of said cam portions, provided with a shoulder forengaging and upholding the end of said member, a spring for engag ingthe other cam portion, adapted to hold said shoulder on the link out ofengagementwith said member, an electro-i'nagnet, and

an armature for said magnet, provided with a. finger adapted to engagesaid slot in said link, said armature when attracted causingsaidshoulder on the link to engage-and litt said member, whereby theupward mov ment of said switch-hook does not disturb or operate theswitch-springs except when said magnet" is energized, together withmeans by which the electro-magnetand switch'springs are removable as aunit.

11. in a device of the class specified, the combination of acircuit-controlling switch, a switch-hook, an electro-magnet, means bywhich the switch-hook directly o -crates the said switch. and means bywhich the energization of the magnet enables the switchhook LO operatesaid switch,- together with means by which the clectro-magnet andswitch-are removable as a unit.

12. In a device of the class specified, the combination of a switch, asub: ribers switch-hook, a direct connection between the switch-hook andthe switch, adapting the former to operate the latter, anelectro-magnetmeans by which one condition of said n'iagnet permits theoperation of said switch, and means by which the opposite electricalcondition of said magnet prevents the operation of said switch. togetherwith means by which the electro'm'agnet and switch are removable as aunit; 7

15 In a device of the class specified, the combinationof switch-sirings, a subscribers switch-hook provided w'ithmeans for directlyoperating said switch-springs. and an electro-magnet provided with' anari'nature adapted to cooperate with said means in contmlling saidswitch-springs, the armature of said magnet normally engaging the coreor polc-piece of said magnet, having provisions whereby said springs arenot operable by the switch-hook except when the said magnet s energized.

14. T11 a device of the class specified; the conibination ofswitch-springs, a snbscr'ibcfis switch-hook; a link or arm dependingfrom said switch-hook, adapted to directly operate said switch-springs,and an electro-magnot provided with an armature adaptedio engage andcoiiperatewith said link or arm in controlling said switch-springs, thearmature of said magnet normally. engaging the core or pole-piece ofsaid magnet.

15. In a device of the class specified, the combination of normallyclosed switchsprings, a subscribers switch-hook, a connec tion carriedby said switch-hook and adapted to operate said switch-springs, anelectro magnet provided with-an armature adapted. to engage saldconnection, and springs engaging said connection, whereby theswitchsprings remain closed when the switch hook is up if the magnet isnot energized, the ariature of said magnet normally engaging the core'or pole-piece of said magnet.

16. In a device of the class specified, the combination ofswitch-springs, a subscribers switch-hook, a link or arin depending fromsaid switch-hook, provided with a slot and a shoulder and a couple ofcam portions, a member for, operating said switch-springs, provided witha slot in which the said link or armmoves up and down, a spring adaptedto engage one of-said cam portions,"provided with a shoulder forengaging and upholding the end of said member, a spring for engaging theother cam portion, adapted to hold'said shbulder on the link out ofengagement with said member, an electro-mag- 4 net, and an armature forsaid magnet, pronot disturb or operate the switch-springs except whensaid magnet is energized, the armature of said magnet normally engagiugthe core-or pole' piece of said magnet.

17. In a device'of the class specified, thecombination of acircuit-controlling switch,

aswitch-hook, an e'lectro-magnet,f 1neans by.

which the switch-hook directlyoperates the Ftlld-SWliCl],H-11(1-mBt-IlSby which the ene1fgization of the magnet enables the switchhook tooperate said switch, the armatureof said magnet normally engaging thecore or pole-piece of said magnet.

18;- In a device of the class specifiechthe combination of" a switch, a-'subscribers -switcl1-hook,,a direct connection in the fo'rm of :1depending. link between the switchhook and the switch, adapting theformer to operate the latter, an electro-magnet,-means by which onecondition of said magnet. causes the operation of said switch. and meansby which the opposlte electrical con-' dition ofsaidinagnet prevents theopera: tion' of-sa id switch, the armature of'said magnet normallyengaging the core or pole mnt by which the switchhook directly opcratesthe said switch, and means engaging piece of said magnet. r

,19. In a device of the class specified, the

combination of switch-springs, a subscribers --s\\'itcl1-l1ook providedwith means for dirm-tly operating said switch-springs, and n':clcctro-magnetprovided with an armature adapted to cooperate with saidmeans in from said switch-hook, adapted to directly operate saidswitch-springs, and an electromagnet provided with-an armature adaptedto engage and-cooperate with said link or arm in controlling saidswitchsprings, together with paramagnetic means for nor mally closingthe magnetic circuit of said magnet. v

21. In a device of the class specified, the combination of normallyclosed switchsprings, a subscribers switch-hook, a connection carried bysaid switch-hook and adapted to operate said switch-springs, anelectro-magnetprov1ded with an armature adapted to engage saidconnection, and

springs engaging said connection, whereby the switch-springs rema nclosed when the switch hook is up if't-he magnet, 1s not en-.

e'rgized, together with paramagnetic means .for normally closing themagnetic circuit of said magnet.

'22. In a device ofthe class specified, the combination ofswitch-springs, a subscribers switch-hook, a link or arm depending fromsaid "switch-hook, provided with a slot and a shoulder and a coupleofcam portions, a member for operating saidswitch-springs, provided with aslot: in which the said link or arm moves up and down, a spring adaptedto engage one of said cam portions, provided with a shoulder forengaging and upholding the end of said'm'eniber, a spring for engagingthe other cam portion, adapted to hold said shoulder on the link out ofen gagement wit-h said member, an electro-niagnet, and an armature forsaid magnet, pro

vided with afinger adapted to engage said slot in said link, saidarmature when attracted causing said shoulder on the link to engage andlift said member, whereby the upward movement of said switch-hook doesnot disturbor operate.theswitch springs except when said magnetisenergized, together with paramagnetic means for normally cl0s ing themagnetic circuit of said magnet. i v 23. In a device of the classspecified, the combination of a circuit controlling switch, aswitch-hook, an electr c-magnet, an ele the magnetic circuit saidelement by which the coor ination pt the magnet enables thesrntclrliool; to open ate 0 switch, normally closing the magnetic('ll'tltlt of Fttltl magnet.

Bl. In a device of the (fill-if, spr-cihcil, the

combination 0t a switch, a suhscrilair's switch-hook, a direct(:UlllK-FCfi'lOll between the switch mi; and the switch. adaptnur the J?i i i ioriner to operate the lflll'clan elcctro-magnet, means engagingsaid. connection by whiclrone condition oi said iagnet permits theoperat on of said switch, and means by which the opposite electricalcondition of said magnet prevents the operation of said switch,including paramagnetic means "for normally closing the magneticcircuitot' said magnet.

25. In a electro magnet normally dee-nergized and provided with anarmature normally held in its attracted position, controlled by said.armature, operative only when the magnet is energized.

36. In a device of the class specified, the combination otswitch-springs, a sub-"crib ers switch-hook provided with means fordirectly operating said switch-springs, and a normally vdeli:lergizedclectronnagnet provided with an armature adapted to cooperate with saidmeans in controlling said switch-springs. having provisions pei ting theswitclrhook, to rise without operat ing said springs, together withparamag' netic means for normally closing the magnetic circuit of saidmagnet by the normal engagement of the armature and core. thereof.27.111 a device of theclass specified, the combination ofswitch-springs, a subscribers switch-hook, a link or arm depend ing fromsaid switclrhook, adapted to directly operate said switclrsprings, and anormally .deenergized electroniagnet provided with an armature adapter,to engage and cot-iperate with said link or arm in controlling saidswitch-springs, together with paramagnetic means for normzilly closingof said magnet by the normal engagement of the armature and corethereof. i 4 a 2%. in a device of the class specified, the combinationof normally closed switchsprings, a subscribers switch-hook, aconnection; carried by said switch-hook and adapted-to operate saidswitch-springs, a normally dcenergized electromagnet provided with anarmature adapted to engage said connection, and springs engaging, -;saidconnection, whereby the switch-springs re main closed when the switchhook is up if the magnet is not energized, together with paramagneticmeans for normally closing the: magi'ietic circuit. ofsai d magnet.

29. In a device'of the class specified, the

device of the class specified, an

and switch-springs ing .-omhimition of switch-springs, a sabscribersSXllt'lldlOOli. a link or arm depending from said switch-hulk, providedwith a slot and a shoulder and a couple of cam portions, a member foroperating said sw tch-springs,

provided with a slot in which the said link or arm moves up and down. aspring adaptcd to engage one of said cam portio s. provided with asln'iuldcr for engaging and upholding: the end of said mcmbel, a springfor engaging the other cam portion, adapted to hold said shoulder on thelink out of engagement with saidmcrhbcr, a normally deenergizedelectromagnet, and an armature for said magnet, provided with a lingeradapted to engage said slot, said armature when attracted causing saidshoulder on the link to engage and liftsaid member, whereby the upwardmovement of said switchhook does not disturb or operate theswitchsprings except when said magnet is energized, together withparamagnetic means for normally closing the magnetic circuit of saidmagnet.

v 30. In a device of the class specified, the combination of acircuit-controlling switch, a switch-hook, a normally denergized'electromagnet, means by which the switclrhook directly operates thesaid switch, and means by which the energization of the magnetenahlesthe switch-hook to operate said switch, together with paramagnetic meansfor normally closing the magneticcircuit of said magnet by the normalengagement of the ar mature and core thereof.

31. In a. device of the class specified, the combination of a switch, asnbscribers switch-hook, a direct connection between the switch-hook andthe switch, adapting the former to operate the latter, a normally do.-energized electromagnet, means by which one condition of said magnetcauses the op eration of said switch, and means by which the oppositeelectrical condition of said magnet prerents the operation of saidswitch, when the switch-hook rises, together with paramagnetic means fornormally closing the magnetic circuit of said magnet by the normalengagement of the armature and core thereof.

32. In a telephone system, a switclrhook, a link carried thereby, aspring switch, an electromagn'et provided with means for holdthe link inposition to open the said spring switcln-andImeans for holding the saidswitch open while the switch-hook moves down.

33. In a telephone system, a switch-hook, a link carried thereby, anormally closed switch, an 'electromagnet provided with means forholding said'link in position to open said normally closed switch whenthe' switch-hook moves up, means for holding the said switch open whilethe switch-hook moves down, and means on said link for efthe other sideof said link, an electromagnet fecting the closure of said switch.provided with an armature having a spring 1.5 34. In a telephone system,a switch-hook, contact engaging said first-mentioned cam, a normallyclosed switch, an electromagnet another spring cooperating with thesee'ond 5 p ovided With an armature, a link carried cam to change theposition of the link, and by the switch-hook and engaging said nr- 21spring switch adapted to he opened by said mature, and spring meanswhereby the nrshoulder if the magnet is energized.

mature, when the magnet is energized, holds Signed by me at Chicago,Cook county, the link in position to open said switch when Illinois,this 12th day of April, 1906. 10- the sivitchhook moves up. JOHNERICKSON.

' 35. In a telephone system, a switclrlioolt, Witnesses:

a link depending therefrom, a cam on one EDWARD D. FALES,

side of said link, a cam and a shoulder on B. D. lVILLiS.

